Topic â€“The current New Zealand United States relationship and how it has changed over the last two years.

Charge: $15.00, including sodas. Alcoholic beverages, $2.00 each.

Volunteers: As usual, we need a volunteer (or two) to run the bar.

RSVP (Include your affiliation) by noon on Wednesday April 11, 2012, to David Ward by calling 202-352-8550, or via e-mail to dmward1973@gmail.com.

Parking: There is no parking at the Embassy. In addition to on street metered parking, nearby commercial parking facilities are located behind and under the Airline Pilots Association (17th and Mass), and at 1500 Mass. Ave, NW.

2012 Membership dues of $30.00 are payable at the meeting. Alternatively, make your check payable to R&SL, and send it to Dave Ward, 2308 November Lane, Reston, VA, 20191.

Biography: Lieutenant Colonel Gillard was born in Aylesbury, United Kingdom on 9 August 1967. He immigrated to New Zealand in 1974. He completed his secondary education at Nelson College and attended Otago University over the period 1987-1990 where he obtained a Bachelor of Physical Education.

Lieutenant Colonel Gillard enlisted in the Regular Force in January 1991 and undertook initial officer training at the Officer Cadet School, Waiouru, graduating in December 1991 in the rank of Second Lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Engineers.

Following the Regular Officer Basic Course (RNZE) in Australia, Lieutenant Colonel Gillard was posted to 2nd Field Squadron, 2nd Engineer Regiment, Linton Military Camp as a Field Troop Commander.

In 1995 he was posted to 1st Special Air Service Group, Hobsonville Airbase as the Specialist Search Team Commander. Lieutenant Colonel Gillard was badged in 1999 and was posted to B Squadron as the Mountain Troop Commander. He remained at 1st New Zealand Special Air Service until December 2006 leaving as the Executive Officer. Over this period he completed a posting as the J33 Special Forces, Headquarters Joint Force New Zealand and served on a number of missions to Afghanistan and to CENTCOM, Tampa, Florida. Lieutenant Colonel Gillard was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his service in Afghanistan.

In December 2006 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assumed command of The Army Depot, Army Training Group, Waiouru. He is currently posted as the Military Attache, New Zealand Defence Force Staff, Washington, DC.

Lieutenant Colonel Gillard is married to Emma and they have three children.

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About Us

The RSL is a group of Australian and American veterans and their friends who meet monthly at the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC. Any questions please feel free to contact us at info (at) rsl-dc (dot) com